4 hours ago
3
Real Madrid's Champions League knockout phase play-off tie at Benfica was halted for 10 minutes after Vinicius Junior reported alleged racist abuse and he and his team-mates left the field.
Referee Francois Letexier made the crossed arms gesture to signal racist abuse following a conversation with Vinicius.
The Brazilian forward had put the Spanish visitors 1-0 up in the second half at the Estadio da Luz, before being booked for an excessive celebration.
Following an interaction with Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, Vinicius ran over to referee Letexier while gesturing towards the opposition player.
He then walked off the pitch and was followed by his Real Madrid team-mates, but play restarted 10 minutes later.
Objects were seen being thrown from the crowd as Vinicius danced by the corner flag after scoring a stunning opener in the 50th minute.
That sparked a disagreement between the players on the pitch, following which Vinicius and Prestianni were seen interacting on the halfway line.
The Real star led his team-mates off the pitch after reporting the incident and spoke with Benfica manager Jose Mourinho as staff members from both sides became involved.
More to follow.
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